Do Dental Implants Hurt? Managing Discomfort During and After Treatment

Getting dental implants is one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They look and feel and function just like real teeth. Before getting them placed, many patients ask, “Do dental implants hurt?” The answer is no. Or, at least, not as much as you think. Thanks to modern-day dental technology and care, the procedure of getting dental implants near you is quick and comfortable.

Let us break down what happens at each step of the procedure, what to expect afterwards, and how to get through any mild discomfort if experienced.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that are attached to your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After your implants heal, a crown (artificial tooth) will be attached on top of your implant to restore function and aesthetics to your smile.

What’s great about dental implants?

Many times, they can feel and function like your real teeth.
If cared for properly, they can last for many, many years.
They’ll assist you better while chewing and speaking.
They’ll help to prevent bone loss and provide structural support for your face.

Do Dental Implants Hurt During the Procedure?

Pain during surgery is a common concern for most folks. The good news is you will not feel pain during the procedure.

Here is why:

You will be given a local anesthetic to fully numb the entire area.
You might feel some pressure or a vibration, but there shouldn’t be any real pain sensations.
If a patient is anxious, there may be some ‘sedation’ options (i.e., oral or IV sedation) available to help the patient relax.

Most patients report that getting an implant is actually quite comparable to getting a tooth extraction.

What Happens After the Dental Implant is Done?

When anesthesia has worn off, you may feel some tenderness or swelling. This is normal. This is the body’s natural response to a surgical procedure. Here’s what you might expect:

There may be some mild soreness in the area surrounding the implant.
The gums and possibly even your face may appear slightly swollen (this is usually just for the next few days).
The surgical area may be a little tender when chewing or brushing your teeth.

In 3–7 days, most of these symptoms should improve significantly, and by the end of the week, most patients feel completely normal!

What Can I Do for Discomfort After Dental Implants?

No need to worry about recovery—for most people, it is fairly simple.

1. Take your pain medications as prescribed/advised.

A dentist in Victoria would likely have prescribed or stated that you can take over-the-counter medication. Simply take it as recommended.

2. Ice pack

Be sure to hold an ice pack on your cheek for 10–15 minutes during the first 24 hours; this will help the swelling and will probably numb any slight pain from the procedure.

3. Soft diet

Stick to liquids and soft foods for just a few days. Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup are good options to follow for approximately 3-7 days. Avoid hard, spicy, and sticky food types, all of which may cause some irritation to the implant area.

4. Maintain Oral Hygiene

After 24 hours, you may gently rinse with warm salt water. This helps to soothe the gums and keeps the area as clean as possible. Brush the other teeth normally, but avoid the implant site for the first few days.

5. Rest Well

In the first 48 hours, avoid heavy exercise. Rest helps your body heal faster and limits the chance of complications.

How Severe will the Discomfort Be?

Most people experience only mild discomfort for a few days.
The discomfort should start to decrease after the third or fourth day.
After one week, your mouth will feel normal again.

If after two weeks, you notice persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding, please visit a dentist near you and make a follow-up appointment. They will confirm whether you are healing and if everything is okay.

Why Dental Implants Are Worth It Despite the Discomfort

Even if you experience a little discomfort, getting a dental implant is worth it. A dental implant is a long-term investment in your smile and oral health.

Here are the reasons why they’re worth it:

They look and feel like a normal tooth.
Rinse with salt water.
They do not slip like dentures.
Help you chew all types of foods comfortably.
Protect the jawbone and gums.
And they will last for decades if you provide good care.

Once fully healed, dental implants are pain-free and easy to manage, such as by brushing and flossing regularly!

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Pain-Free Dental Implants with Academy Dental

Dental implants can be easy, not painful or scary. With gentle techniques, modern technology, and help from a trained expert, you will be surprised how easy it feels afterward. At Academy Dental, our dentist will help ensure that each step of the journey feels safe and comfortable, regardless of the number of teeth you are missing.

If you want to have dental implants done, visit Academy Dental in Victoria, where the patients and their care always come first.

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